Franklin Ridge Senior Housing - Presentation with Q&A (video)

The video of the presentation and discussion held at the Franklin Senior Center Feb 6 is now available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY

Talking with Caring Transitions about their Senior services (audio)

FM #1381 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1381 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Brian McGonigal, franchise owner of Caring Transitions operating in Franklin/Milford along with Eric Eidswick, Business Development Manager. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Talking with Caring Transitions

We talk about

Caring Transitions services

Senior relocation, downsizing, estate sales

Start with a phone call or web interaction

Free in home consultation 

Can lead to a proposal and contract for services

Personalized to meet your needs

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1381-caring-transitions-for-seniors-01-27-25/

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Caring Transitions web page ->  https://www.caringtransitions.com/locations/mode/franklin-milford 

Estate sales page -> https://ctbids.com/ 

Tip & Trick to assess item value -> eBay app - download, take a photo, do a search, go to “Sold & Completed items” 

“Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff”  https://www.amazon.com/Your-Kids-Dont-Stuff-Memoir-ebook/dp/B0BN2B7KQP 

“Nobody Wants your Sh-t - Decluttering before your die” https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271940-nobody-wants-your-sh-t

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS Gymnastics share results from the recent Senior Night meet vs. Oliver Ames

via FHS Gymnastics 

Senior Night meet vs. Oliver Ames

"Such a fun night celebrating our Seniors! 

FHS put down their highest team score and continue to push through make adjustments and get better each meet. We fell short to Oliver Ames but we had such a great time competing against them!

Final score FHS 128.55 OA 133.75. 

FHS Gymnastics share results from Senior Night meet 

 

Recap posted in pic with Top Contributors. Last home meet and regular season meet coming up on 2/2/25 at AAGA at 4:30 PM"

Shared from -> https://x.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1885121670421041473

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is planning their 6th Annual Valentine’s Brunch, slated for February 8, 2025

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is proud to announce that their 6th Annual Valentine’s Brunch is slated for February 8, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon, at the Franklin Housing Authority Hall, located at 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA 02038.

6th Annual Valentine’s Brunch

All Franklin Senior’s and residents of Franklin Housing Authority are welcome to join the Rotary Club as their special guests, where all will be treated to a delicious, homemade Valentine’s brunch. Feel free to show your love and wear your red!

Seniors are urged to enter their names on a sign-up so that no one is left out. Sign-up sheets may found at the following locations: 

• Central Park Terrace, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA

• Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or interested in attending a meeting, please contact Diane Padula at rotartycluboffranklinma@gmail.com and she will make arrangements for you to be a guest at one of Rotary’s upcoming meetings.

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting on January 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 8, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 18, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units.

i. Legislation for Action #9c

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses

i. Legislation for Action #9d

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) To be continued. (Motion to Continue Public Hearing of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to January 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

i. Legislation for Action #9e

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) To be continued. (Motion to Continue Public Hearing of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to January 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

i. Legislation for Action #9f

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project Update - Bryan Taberner, Director Director of

Department of Planning and Community

b. Residential Development & Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI, aka Chapter 40B) Update - Bryan

Taberner, Director Director of Department of Planning and Community

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-922 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Amendment to Water System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-923 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units. - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-923 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at

Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses - First

Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) First Reading to be continued. (Motion to

Continue First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to January 22, 2025 - Majority Vote)

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the

Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) - First Reading to be continued. (Motion to

Continue First Reading of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to January 22, 2025 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 25-01: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,672), Veterans Department ($3,125)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-01 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Complete agenda doc on Town page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf

Accessory Dwelling Units

Seniors enjoy pasta dinner hosted by Rotary & Lion's Heart

About 90 seniors began arriving early and waited patiently for the home cooked pasta meal to be prepared by volunteers from the Franklin Rotary and served by members of the Lion's Heart group on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

There was lots of happy faces and many empty plates for this event at Central Park Terrace. It was originally scheduled for June but the weather that day was forecasted to be one of the high heat days and wisely the event was rescheduled. It was much more comfortable to enjoy the meal on Thursday.

Diane Padula thanking the Lion's Heart volunteers

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/WpDq1mDNYeJn4Jgh6

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 069 - Love Poems, Forgetful Poems, Stories of Family & more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about family, friends, forgetfulness, love, perseverance, and how the answer is 42.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7444c398-1a9b-435c-a77d-72f19116d2ab

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 069

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - Rotary Club of Franklin MA Pasta Dinner, 6/20/24 - IS BEING POSTPONED!

Greetings all!

postponed to TBD

Due to the rising temps, and where Thursday, June 20^th, heat is expected to reach triple digits, it has been decided that the health and wellbeing of our Franklin Senior Citizens and residents of Franklin Housing Authority, is far more important than our Rotary Annual Pasta Supper. We will postponing this event until further notice.

This was not an easy decision to make and we cannot thank you all enough, for your continued support of Rotary Club of Franklin MA.

We will reach out again, once a new date has been selected.

Yours truly,

Diane

Diane M. Padula

Franklin Rotary schedules Annual Pasta Dinner for senior citizens on June 20

Annual Pasta Dinner

 

The Rotary Club of Franklin, MA is excited to host their 32nd Annual Pasta Supper on June 20, 2024, and extend an invitation to all senior citizens of Franklin and residents of Franklin Housing Authority to join in on the festivities.

Please RSVP at the Senior Center or FHA.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7GXqN6WLRo8pYGZk/

FSPA Senior Showcase scheduled for June 11 at 6 PM

"Join us on June 11 at 6:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX to celebrate the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Class of 2024!

All are welcome!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZB4TMtFjcKArqXuw/

FSPA Senior Showcase scheduled for June 11 at 6 PM

Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Franklin Residents,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Summer Street residents regarding the proposed senior living development that Bruce Hunchard of 496 Summer Street, Franklin is applying to build.

Seven years ago, the Summer Street Residents fought hard to prevent Bruce Hunchard from re-zoning his 11.85 acres so he could build cluster homes just like the ones built on the Franklin Country Club driving range.    He lost due to an overwhelming objection of the residents on his street, not to mention a gentleman from town standing up and addressing the members that he thinks re-zoning parcels is a great idea, because I have 5 acres next to you, you and you and I think I will  re-zone all of these parcels. Well, what do you know, this project immediately failed.

Now, seven years later he wants to build a senior development which I believe due to a certain by-law amendment (01-461) adopted by the town this could be possible without the rezoning.

Hunchard is calling this a senior development.  Condominiums that will be 2- and 3-bedroom condo's, with a full basement and a garage that will sell for $850,000 -$900,000 dollars quoted to me by the builder.  REALLY!!!!  This sounds like a proposed development for anyone 55 and older that has this kind of money.  In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors that are in need of affordable senior living.   The project could net close to $45 million dollars or more. I find it interesting that a few of the town council members told me that there is a high demand for senior living because they can no longer afford to live in their single-family homes. Well, how on earth will they be able to afford these new homes.  They won't!!!  This is preposterous.  Not to mention Bruce Hunchard is the chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals committee.  This is a total conflict of interest.

To make matters worse, this proposed development abuts many, many acres of Franklin Town Forest.  This entire development is located on a slope that goes down into Uncas Brook, which feeds Uncas Pond. The Summer Street Residents, as well as the Rod and Gun Club and Armenian Camp are extremely concerned that the Uncas Brook Watershed which contributes water to the wells and the pump house will be compromised after a majority of trees are removed, as well as this parcel of land having to be completely re-graded.  This will make huge and unfavorable changes to the basic hydrology and siltation regardless of any measures that will be taken to prevent this from happening.

This land is zoned Rural Residential, it is NOT zoned for cluster homes.  It is out of control when town starts choosing rural residential locations for these types of homes.  They need to stick with the properly zoned locations for this type of building.

We invite you to attend the Monday night, February 26^th Planning Board meeting at 7 PM.  There will be a strong showing of many people in opposition of this project.

Thank you.

Sally French Winters and the Summer Street Residents of Franklin, MA.

• The Autumn Hill plans as submitted can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/autumn-hill-senior-village-488-and-496-summer-street-02022024
• The 5 post series on the original proposal for the Residential 7 zoning change referred to can be found http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula talks about "service before self" and Rotary events (audio)

FM #1121 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1121 in the series. 

This shares my interview and discussion with Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula. Our discussion was conducted in the Franklin TV & Radio studio.

Diane calls herself a “Rotary kid” as she grew up with her father as a member for many years.

We talk about the Rotary Club as “service before self”, meeting twice a month at the Rome Restaurant in Franklin. The annual pasta dinner for seniors in June, the Valentine’s Brunch for seniors coming up in February, and other events they host in Franklin. This “small but mighty” group is always looking for new members.

The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Diane as we talk about what the Rotary does for Franklin. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1121-franklin-rotary-club-president-diane-padula-12-11-23

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Franklin Rotary Club page  http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Home.aspx?accountid=3689 

Prior Interview (Nov 2020) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-400-franklin-ma-rotary-club-111720.html 

Interact Club efforts (August 2020)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-interact-delivers-100-masks-to.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula talks about "service before self" and Rotary events (audio)

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office needs volunteers to pack meals.  We also have volunteer delivery driver positions available.  

Volunteer drivers receive $0.56 per mile.  We provide a hot lunch to homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  

If you have a couple of hours to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne at 508.520.1422 for further information.

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

BARRON'S: Where Can I Afford to Live in Retirement? Senior Housing and the ‘Forgotten Middle.’

Where Can I Afford to Live in Retirement? Senior Housing and the 'Forgotten Middle.'

"Where am I going to live when I retire? 

And more important: Where can I afford to live when I retire? 

As housing costs soar, these are among the top questions retirees and near-retirees grapple with as they transition out of paid work and into a life on a fixed income. It's a particularly tricky issue for the so-called "forgotten middle" of the senior housing market—those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid and those who can't afford traditional senior living. "

Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/ARezeUt4qSLi_Tkv3jKcM5w

You can visit Opus Communities on the web, they are not yet located in MA ->  https://opuscommunities.com/

Noracarol/Dreamstime

New York Times: "For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over"

Seniors are increasingly left to protect themselves as the rest of the country abandons precautions: “Americans do not agree about the duty to protect others.”

In early December, Aldo Caretti developed a cough and, despite all his precautions, came up positive for Covid on a home test. It took his family a couple of days to persuade Mr. Caretti, never fond of doctors, to go to the emergency room. There, he was sent directly to the intensive care unit.

Mr. Caretti and his wife, Consiglia, both 85, lived quietly in a condo in Plano, Texas. “He liked to read and learn, in English and Italian,” said his son Vic Caretti, 49. “He absolutely adored his three grandchildren.”

Aldo Caretti had encountered some health setbacks last year, including a mild stroke and a serious bout of shingles, but “he recuperated from all that.”

COVID was different. Even on a ventilator, Mr. Caretti struggled to breathe. After 10 days, “he wasn’t getting better,” said Vic Caretti, who flew in from Salt Lake City. “His organs were starting to break down. They said, ‘He’s not going to make it.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/11/health/covid-pandemic-seniors.html

Eleanor Bravo of Corrales, N.M., lost her sister to Covid early in the pandemic, and two years passed before the family could gather for a memorial. “I had this inordinate fear that if I got Covid, I would die too,” she said.Credit...Adria Malcolm for The New York Times

FHS Gymnastics catches up with the details on recent Senior Night

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted on Tue, Jan 24, 2023:

"SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs. So proud of this team!! "  https://t.co/jc5Pj9uRAt

"Such a fun night celebrating our seniors!! The energy competing against Canton is always our teams favorite. Great coach, great team spirit! Congratulations to the Canton Seniors as well. Lots to talk about! 

Top 4 - Vault - Molly Chandler 8.1, Senior Captain Emma Nelson 8.0, Abby Scotland 7.7, Molly D'Amato 7.6. 

Bars - Senior Captain Emma 8.55, Abby Robillard 7.6, Ciara O'Brien 7.6 season high, Senior Captain Maia Keohane 7.5. Shout out to Senior Katie Valutkevich for her season high of 7.35. 

Beam - SENIORS DOMINATED- Senior Captain Olivia Reagan 8.55, Senior Captain Maia 8.5, Senior Captain Emma 8.4, Senior Katie Valutkevich 8.1. 

Floor -Drum Roll season high and Career high from Senior Captain Maia 9.3 that routine was SPECTACULAR, Followed up by Senior Captain putting down her second meet in a row of a season high of 8.8, Ryann Chandler 8.4, and Senior Katie with her 3rd season high of 8.3, way to be consistent!!. 

So proud of these girls love coaching them and watching them bond, grow and work hard! 

Home meet Friday vs a tough Attleboro at All Around Gymnastics Academy 8:30 PM be there!"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1617892300558069763

SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs

Town of Franklin: Conservation Commission - Request for Determination of Applicability - Jan 26, 2023

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, January 26, 2022 at 7:05 PM on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by JNJuhl & Associates, LLC of Franklin, MA to develop a 6.5 acre portion of site into Affordable Senior Housing in the Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). This project is located on Veterans Memorial Drive.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. 

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher

Chairman

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/franklin_ridge_2023_rda_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Franklin Ridge senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place (May 8, 2019)

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project

"The Baker-Polito administration today announced more than $143 million in grant awards for economic development projects made through the Community One Stop for Growth portal.

The grants, which will support 337 local projects in 169 communities statewide, were announced at an event in Pittsfield by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, who were joined by local officials. "

Continue reading the article at MMA -> 

https://www.mma.org/administration-announces-143m-for-economic-development-project-grants/ 

Among the awards is one for Franklin:

$3.2M This grant will be used to support the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project, a development that will increase affordable housing along Veterans Memorial Drive. Construction includes improvements to roadways, sidewalks, streetlights, utility connections, and the addition of a new water booster pumping station.

Governor Baker's press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-143-million-for-economic-development-projects-through-community-one-stop-for-growth

For the full listing of awards:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/fy23-community-one-stop-for-growth-awards

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project